Iain McAllister
@giantbrain.co.uk
Game writer, freelance critic, and podcaster. Writer for Tabletop Gaming Magzine. Host of Cult of the Old and But Why Vikings? Find all my work here https://linktr.ee/thegiantbrain
Pinned
Iain McAllister
@giantbrain.co.uk
· Jan 21
The Giant Brain
Tabletop Game Reviews, Interviews, and Criticism
giantbrain.co.uk
Hello new followers! I'm Iain McAllister and I post about games of all persuasions. You'll find all my written work over on my site. I have a particular focus at the moment on trying tabletop RPG criticism in different ways. Links in Bio, podcasts included.
giantbrain.co.uk
giantbrain.co.uk
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Out now for early access to Patrons - do I actually like the OSR?
(patreon early access only $3 a month!)
www.patreon.com/posts/do-i-a...
(patreon early access only $3 a month!)
www.patreon.com/posts/do-i-a...
Do I Actually Like the OSR? | Burn After Running
Get more from Burn After Running on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Out now for early access to Patrons - do I actually like the OSR?
(patreon early access only $3 a month!)
www.patreon.com/posts/do-i-a...
(patreon early access only $3 a month!)
www.patreon.com/posts/do-i-a...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Want to become an official Coyote & Crow Storyteller? Get exclusive swag, access to resources, and get paid to run C&C games? We've launched our new organized play program!
Learn how to join or just how to support the project: coyoteandcrow.net/storyteller-...
Learn how to join or just how to support the project: coyoteandcrow.net/storyteller-...
Storyteller Program - Coyote & Crow Games
Click The Image Below To Donate Or Scroll Down To Learn About Membership What Is The Storyteller Program? The Storyteller Program is our answer to an organized play program. If you aren’t familiar w...
coyoteandcrow.net
January 13, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Want to become an official Coyote & Crow Storyteller? Get exclusive swag, access to resources, and get paid to run C&C games? We've launched our new organized play program!
Learn how to join or just how to support the project: coyoteandcrow.net/storyteller-...
Learn how to join or just how to support the project: coyoteandcrow.net/storyteller-...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Just updated the Tabletop Game Jobs group tonight with around 27 new job openings, across the board from design, event management, marketing, graphic design, crowdfunding, logistics and more.
Tabletop Game Jobs FB Group - www.facebook.com/groups/Table...
Tabletop Game Jobs FB Group - www.facebook.com/groups/Table...
January 13, 2026 at 4:58 AM
Just updated the Tabletop Game Jobs group tonight with around 27 new job openings, across the board from design, event management, marketing, graphic design, crowdfunding, logistics and more.
Tabletop Game Jobs FB Group - www.facebook.com/groups/Table...
Tabletop Game Jobs FB Group - www.facebook.com/groups/Table...
An excellent breakdown of what makes Deathmatch Island tick.
We reviewed Deathmatch Island over the weekend. The name says the basics, but it is the basics - there's as much The Prisoner in the DNA as Battle Royale or Squid Game. For comics people, this actually reminds me of the Vertigo-y Morrison stuff, complete with Rian Hughes does the Filth art-design.
Threedom: DEATHMATCH ISLAND - Old Men Running The World
The latest game the Old Men team played was DEATHMATCH ISLAND by Tim Denee (now working on Blades ‘68), and based on the Paragon System, by John Harper
oldmenrunningtheworld.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:30 AM
An excellent breakdown of what makes Deathmatch Island tick.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
The Mecha TTRPG Bundle is live!
Until Jan 12th, get Rivals, Mectors, Fist World Volga, Spectres Of Brocken, Rig, Leadbellies, S.W.O.R.D. Pilots, Brass, Rust Never Sleeps, Scars & Steel, MechFast, and more all in one place!
itch.io/b/3426/sprin...
Until Jan 12th, get Rivals, Mectors, Fist World Volga, Spectres Of Brocken, Rig, Leadbellies, S.W.O.R.D. Pilots, Brass, Rust Never Sleeps, Scars & Steel, MechFast, and more all in one place!
itch.io/b/3426/sprin...
December 11, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The Mecha TTRPG Bundle is live!
Until Jan 12th, get Rivals, Mectors, Fist World Volga, Spectres Of Brocken, Rig, Leadbellies, S.W.O.R.D. Pilots, Brass, Rust Never Sleeps, Scars & Steel, MechFast, and more all in one place!
itch.io/b/3426/sprin...
Until Jan 12th, get Rivals, Mectors, Fist World Volga, Spectres Of Brocken, Rig, Leadbellies, S.W.O.R.D. Pilots, Brass, Rust Never Sleeps, Scars & Steel, MechFast, and more all in one place!
itch.io/b/3426/sprin...
Hey folks if you have been enjoying "But Why Vikings?" over our first 5 episodes I would love if you could gives us a rating and review on your podcast host of choice (itunes especially). Podcast discoverability is rubbish and it really helps!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Eyebrows are Fair Game
Podcast Episode · But Why Vikings? · 01/09/2026 · 49m
podcasts.apple.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Hey folks if you have been enjoying "But Why Vikings?" over our first 5 episodes I would love if you could gives us a rating and review on your podcast host of choice (itunes especially). Podcast discoverability is rubbish and it really helps!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
I appreciate all the people reminding folks to take refuge in small joys. I know it can sound self-serving or quietist to champion hobbies & self-compassion in the middle of political upheaval, but your boldest, most powerful self is rested, centred & happy. Also, you deserve joy.
January 11, 2026 at 4:07 PM
I appreciate all the people reminding folks to take refuge in small joys. I know it can sound self-serving or quietist to champion hobbies & self-compassion in the middle of political upheaval, but your boldest, most powerful self is rested, centred & happy. Also, you deserve joy.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
It’s time! SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2026 CARDBOARD EDISON AWARD ARE OPEN! Board game designers, show us what you’ve been working on! Deadline is January 31: cardboardedison.com/award
January 1, 2026 at 1:35 PM
It’s time! SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2026 CARDBOARD EDISON AWARD ARE OPEN! Board game designers, show us what you’ve been working on! Deadline is January 31: cardboardedison.com/award
Reposted by Iain McAllister
I'm really proud that my patreon is slowly growing, even if it's still tiny and doesn't quite know what it is. Follow along to help me grow and make something very me patreon.com/avafoxfort
Ava Foxfort | Patreon
Chaos Ava and the Magic of Everything
patreon.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:54 PM
I'm really proud that my patreon is slowly growing, even if it's still tiny and doesn't quite know what it is. Follow along to help me grow and make something very me patreon.com/avafoxfort
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Thanks @ava.foxfort.net and @giantbrain.co.uk! Can't wait to chow down on this azul tile / everdell berry granola.
(This is a bit, please don't eat game pieces.)
(This is a bit, please don't eat game pieces.)
But Why Vikings? is back to solve more of your ludoligical questions. This episode @ava.foxfort.net and I answer questions from @mattthr.bsky.social on limited communication games and @oliviaonline.bsky.social on games as in world objects
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
Eyebrows are Fair Game
open.spotify.com
January 10, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Thanks @ava.foxfort.net and @giantbrain.co.uk! Can't wait to chow down on this azul tile / everdell berry granola.
(This is a bit, please don't eat game pieces.)
(This is a bit, please don't eat game pieces.)
But Why Vikings does not endorse the eating of game pieces! Thanks for the question though.
January 11, 2026 at 6:10 AM
But Why Vikings does not endorse the eating of game pieces! Thanks for the question though.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Hey! Annie at @badsquiddogames.bsky.social has both loads of women miniatures for wargames and collecting AND a great blog if you want to educate yourself about some of the inspiring women who have been involved in conflicts throughout history: communityminiaturesproject.com/category/ext...
Extra Research – Community Miniatures Project
Posts about Extra Research written by badsquiddogames
communityminiaturesproject.com
January 10, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Hey! Annie at @badsquiddogames.bsky.social has both loads of women miniatures for wargames and collecting AND a great blog if you want to educate yourself about some of the inspiring women who have been involved in conflicts throughout history: communityminiaturesproject.com/category/ext...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
But Why Vikings? is back to solve more of your ludoligical questions. This episode @ava.foxfort.net and I answer questions from @mattthr.bsky.social on limited communication games and @oliviaonline.bsky.social on games as in world objects
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
Eyebrows are Fair Game
open.spotify.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:53 PM
But Why Vikings? is back to solve more of your ludoligical questions. This episode @ava.foxfort.net and I answer questions from @mattthr.bsky.social on limited communication games and @oliviaonline.bsky.social on games as in world objects
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
But Why Vikings? is back to solve more of your ludoligical questions. This episode @ava.foxfort.net and I answer questions from @mattthr.bsky.social on limited communication games and @oliviaonline.bsky.social on games as in world objects
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
Eyebrows are Fair Game
open.spotify.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:53 PM
But Why Vikings? is back to solve more of your ludoligical questions. This episode @ava.foxfort.net and I answer questions from @mattthr.bsky.social on limited communication games and @oliviaonline.bsky.social on games as in world objects
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
open.spotify.com/episode/6cOa...
Sorry source not course.
January 8, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Sorry source not course.
Can I ask where the course for this is? Would be interested in potentially following up with Warlord.
January 8, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Can I ask where the course for this is? Would be interested in potentially following up with Warlord.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
A few thoughts as the new year beckons on how to make your RPG easier to run and play.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
RPG Resolutions - The Giant Brain
It is the early days of 2026 a time for resolutions and new habits. I have some ideas for you on how to make RPGs a little more accesible.
giantbrain.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 9:26 PM
A few thoughts as the new year beckons on how to make your RPG easier to run and play.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
Glad it has been of interest!
January 8, 2026 at 5:59 AM
Glad it has been of interest!
A few thoughts as the new year beckons on how to make your RPG easier to run and play.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
RPG Resolutions - The Giant Brain
It is the early days of 2026 a time for resolutions and new habits. I have some ideas for you on how to make RPGs a little more accesible.
giantbrain.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 9:26 PM
A few thoughts as the new year beckons on how to make your RPG easier to run and play.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
New year, new TTRPG designer interview!
Come and meet @annablackwell.bsky.social and see what Anna is working on!
planesailinggames.com/interviews/2...
Come and meet @annablackwell.bsky.social and see what Anna is working on!
planesailinggames.com/interviews/2...
Interviewing Anna Blackwell
A purveyor of fine solo-games to create personal experiences
planesailinggames.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:26 PM
New year, new TTRPG designer interview!
Come and meet @annablackwell.bsky.social and see what Anna is working on!
planesailinggames.com/interviews/2...
Come and meet @annablackwell.bsky.social and see what Anna is working on!
planesailinggames.com/interviews/2...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Out now to Patrons, my review of @melsonian-arts-council.itch.io 's excellent Stay Frosty - a one-shot TTRPG that deserves more mainstream love! (50% off with code 90490 is still running by the way!)
www.patreon.com/posts/ultima...
www.patreon.com/posts/ultima...
The Ultimate One-Shot Sci-Fi TTPRG? - Review: Stay Frosty (Remastered) | Burn After Running
Get more from Burn After Running on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 4, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Out now to Patrons, my review of @melsonian-arts-council.itch.io 's excellent Stay Frosty - a one-shot TTRPG that deserves more mainstream love! (50% off with code 90490 is still running by the way!)
www.patreon.com/posts/ultima...
www.patreon.com/posts/ultima...
Lovely afternoon of games with @simonmarr.bsky.social. Moon Colony Bloodbath, Compile, Skyteam.
January 4, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Lovely afternoon of games with @simonmarr.bsky.social. Moon Colony Bloodbath, Compile, Skyteam.
This is a great thread from Jon.
Saw an interesting post freaking out about the upcoming Royal Mail changes. They’re an inconvenience, and imho not worth getting super upset about. Save your energy. But! It made me think and uh oh here’s a thread 🧵
January 4, 2026 at 7:11 PM
This is a great thread from Jon.
The next episode of But Why Vikings? Will be out this coming Friday. It's a ludological agony aunt column I host with @timclare.bsky.social and @avalanche.bsky.social. In the meantime check out our first 4 episodes wherever you get your casts.
open.spotify.com/episode/0aRh...
open.spotify.com/episode/0aRh...
Deranged in my Promiscuity
open.spotify.com
January 4, 2026 at 9:20 AM
The next episode of But Why Vikings? Will be out this coming Friday. It's a ludological agony aunt column I host with @timclare.bsky.social and @avalanche.bsky.social. In the meantime check out our first 4 episodes wherever you get your casts.
open.spotify.com/episode/0aRh...
open.spotify.com/episode/0aRh...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Out now on UGMs, a tight 1 hour #ActualPlay #TTRPG of @meghanlynnftw.bsky.social and @superdillin.bsky.social 's excellent duet game, HUNT(er/ed) - can our washed up police inspector find the Vampire haunting the East End of London?
youtu.be/qvbRULXvIZA?...
youtu.be/qvbRULXvIZA?...
HUNT(er/ed) : One Shot | Lord Murder | Actual Play
YouTube video by Unconventional GMs
youtu.be
January 3, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Out now on UGMs, a tight 1 hour #ActualPlay #TTRPG of @meghanlynnftw.bsky.social and @superdillin.bsky.social 's excellent duet game, HUNT(er/ed) - can our washed up police inspector find the Vampire haunting the East End of London?
youtu.be/qvbRULXvIZA?...
youtu.be/qvbRULXvIZA?...